From dawn till dusk, Barbadian farmers labor tirelessly, nurturing crops, tending livestock, and ensuring food reaches every table across the island. Their relentless efforts are the backbone of the nation’s food security, a cornerstone of life that World Food Day 2025 seeks to honor. Observed on October 16 under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” the day serves as both a tribute to farmers and a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard food systems. Acting Chief Agricultural Officer Michael James emphasized that agriculture is the foundation of life, a task that requires unity and collaboration. “We cannot do it alone. Farmers need support from the ministry, and the ministry needs the public’s participation,” he stated. James highlighted the challenges farmers face, including praedial larceny, which disrupts the supply chain. To combat these issues, the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented rebate programs, introduced drought-resistant crop varieties, and strengthened livestock resilience initiatives. Modernization efforts are also underway, with upgraded laboratory facilities and a new tissue culture facility to ensure clean planting materials and higher yields. The Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) is expanding its Accelerated Cultivation Programme, focusing on key crops like onions, sweet potatoes, and yams to boost local production and market opportunities. World Food Day celebrations in Barbados extended beyond a single day, encompassing a week of educational activities. Students visited agricultural facilities, while the public enjoyed an open day at the Ministry of Agriculture, featuring machinery demonstrations, innovative farming techniques, and local produce displays. The event also included community outreach, with food hampers distributed to organizations supporting vulnerable populations. James urged Barbadians to embrace locally grown produce, echoing the words of agricultural pioneer Carmeta Fraser: “Eat what you grow, grow what you eat.” He emphasized that the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future” is a call to action for healthier citizens, empowered farmers, and a nation that values its food. The Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring nutritious, affordable, and safe food for all, aligning with the government’s vision for a self-sufficient Barbados.
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2nd call for Circular Economy Projects to combat regional marine pollution
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) has announced its Second Call for Proposals under the Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility, aiming to fund innovative projects that combat marine pollution, enhance waste management, and accelerate the transition to circular economy practices across the Caribbean. The initiative was unveiled during the ACE Facility October Meeting Series, held from October 14–16 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, which convened regional governments, international partners, civil society organizations, and private sector leaders.
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All Saints West town hall meeting rescheduled for Thursday, October 23
The highly anticipated town hall meeting in All Saints West, organized by Member of Parliament Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Originally set for Friday, October 17, at Seaview Farm Primary School, the event has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 23, starting at 8 p.m. The decision was made with public safety in mind, ensuring residents can attend without risk. The meeting will address critical local issues, including road improvements, water system upgrades, healthcare services, security measures, and economic opportunities. Prime Minister Gaston Browne is slated to attend as a special guest, providing updates on financial policies, economic development, and his government’s vision for the constituency. Other notable speakers include Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister responsible for the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA); Hon. Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health; Hon. Maria Browne, Minister of Public Works; and Hon. Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Minister of National Security. Organizers emphasize the importance of community participation and encourage residents to join the rescheduled event under the banner of #WeStillLegitWithSmith. The discussion will continue to focus on infrastructure projects and community development plans, aiming to foster progress and address local concerns.
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Ministry of Education launches Digital OECS Harmonised Primary Curriculum
The Ministry of Education has unveiled the Digital OECS Harmonised Primary Curriculum (D-OHPC), a groundbreaking initiative set to transform primary education in the Eastern Caribbean. Launched in September 2025, the pilot phase is currently underway in Grenada, marking a significant step toward modernising the region’s educational landscape. The D-OHPC aims to create a new educational ecosystem by integrating advanced technology, including AI-powered planners, virtual classrooms, and digital resource repositories. Its objectives include standardising educational quality, fostering regional integration, and preparing students for a technology-driven future. The curriculum also shifts focus from traditional exam-based assessments to a more student-centred approach, emphasising interactive and inclusive learning environments. During the launch event on 9 September, OECS Curriculum Support Officer Johnell Mitchell highlighted the curriculum’s evolution, noting that it builds on the 2005 framework with enhanced features such as data analytics, lesson planning tools, and quizzes. Principals from pilot schools, including Jenner James of Grand Roy Government School and Kerwin Noel of Mt Pleasant Government School, praised the initiative for streamlining lesson preparation and improving educational delivery. Education Minister Sen. David Andrew underscored the importance of digital infrastructure, while Chief Education Officer Diane Abel-Jeffrey emphasised the role of technology in expanding access and inclusion. The D-OHPC aligns with the OECS PEARL (Programme for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning) and Grenada’s national education plans, reflecting a shared commitment to modernising education. Deputy Chief Education Officer Deanne Francis-Thomas described the curriculum as a reimagining of teaching and learning, designed to prepare students for the 21st century. Permanent Secretary Lorraine St Louis-Nedd expressed gratitude to partners, including the Global Partnership for Education, for their support in bringing the curriculum to life.
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Jah Cure continues to make headlines
Renowned reggae artist Siccature “Jah Cure” Alcock has once again become the focal point of widespread discussions on social media and within the reggae community. His current legal predicament has reignited memories of the “Free Jah Cure” movement, which gained significant traction during his earlier imprisonment in Jamaica in the early 2000s. That campaign, which advocated for his release and shed light on systemic issues within the justice system, played a pivotal role in shaping his public persona and musical journey. Jah Cure, celebrated for hits like “Longing For” and “True Reflection (Prison Walls)”, is presently serving a six-year sentence in the Netherlands. This sentence stems from a 2021 altercation where he stabbed concert promoter Nicardo Blake following a dispute over unpaid performance fees. While he was acquitted of attempted murder, he was convicted of attempted manslaughter in March 2022. A hearing was conducted on June 18th, with the case set to be revisited on October 9th, 2025. Currently, Jah Cure awaits a decision from Dutch prosecutors who are appealing his attempted manslaughter conviction, aiming to extend his sentence to a potential nine and a half years on attempted murder charges.
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Preparation continues and work steadily progresses for the World Creole Music Festival(WCMF) 2025
The 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) is poised to captivate audiences from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica. Ayodele Andrew, Festivals and Events Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), confirmed the steady progress of preparation works during the weekly WCMF press conference on Thursday. She emphasized that all major infrastructure and setup are complete, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and visually stunning environment for the three-night extravaganza. The forecourt will be transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, offering a diverse array of foods and beverages, creating the perfect ambiance for attendees to immerse themselves in the festival spirit. The event will feature a stellar lineup of artists across three nights, celebrating the rich heritage of Creole music. Night One, titled ‘Fire & Foundation,’ will pay tribute to Caribbean music pioneers, while Night Two, ‘Creole Carnival,’ will showcase the energetic vibrancy of Creole expression. The Grand Finale on Night Three promises a spectacular closing with regional icons and international chart-toppers. Since its inception in 1997, the WCMF has grown into one of the Caribbean’s premier cultural events, promoting regional unity and artistic innovation. This year’s theme, ‘Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories,’ underscores the festival’s enduring legacy. Fans and culture enthusiasts are encouraged to extend their stay to explore Dominica’s natural beauty and partake in fringe events. For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.dominicafestivals.com and follow Dominica Festivals on social media for updates.
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Students receive laptops and e-books from Government of Grenada
In a landmark move to modernize education, the Ministry of Education of Grenada officially launched the Laptops and E-books in Secondary Schools Programme on October 6 at the Grenada Trade Centre in Morne Rouge, St George. The EC$9.2 million initiative, themed “Reimagining Education: Transforming Classrooms, Empowering Futures,” aims to equip every Form 1 and Form 2 student in public secondary schools with high-quality laptops and access to essential e-books.
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4,697 new voter registations since June 2022
The Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) has announced the publication of its latest voter registration updates, marking a significant step in maintaining electoral transparency. Since the June 2022 General Election, the number of registered voters has grown by 4,697, bringing the total to 92,491 as of 30 September 2025. The PEO routinely publishes an addendum list every three months, alongside a comprehensive consolidated list released biannually in June and December. The most recent addendum list, covering July to September 2025, includes 852 new registrations, while the June 2025 consolidated list contains 91,639 names. Starting 16 October 2025, registered voters will have a seven-day window to inspect both the addendum and consolidated lists. This review period allows individuals to submit claims or objections regarding any discrepancies. The lists will be accessible at various public locations, including Parliamentary Elections Constituency Offices, post offices, police stations, and medical stations. The PEO emphasizes the importance of verifying personal details, particularly for those who registered between July and September 2025. Requests for corrections must be submitted to the relevant Registration Officer by 23 October 2025. This initiative underscores the PEO’s commitment to ensuring accurate and inclusive voter rolls ahead of future elections.
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Sixteen Calypsonians Selected for the 44th Independence Calypso Competition
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has unveiled the sixteen talented calypsonians set to compete in the highly anticipated 44th Independence Calypso Competition. This year’s event marks a significant cultural resurgence, as the competition returns to the national calendar after a hiatus since its virtual edition in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The finalists were selected following a spirited elimination round on October 16, where thirty-one participants showcased their skills before a panel of judges and fellow artists. The grand finale is scheduled for October 30, 2025, at Jack Idle, with gates opening at 8:00 p.m. and admission priced at EC$25.00. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spots for what promises to be a night of patriotic and entertaining performances. The finalists include renowned names such as Vicious, Raiine, King Fiah, and Queen Gee Bee, among others. Each artist will perform an original composition inspired by this year’s theme, “Solid – Stable – Soaring,” accompanied by a live band. A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on lyrical content, melody, presentation, and overall impact. The competition boasts a lucrative prize package, with the winner taking home EC$15,000, followed by EC$10,000 for the first runner-up and EC$8,000 for the second runner-up. All finalists will receive EC$2,500 each. The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, praised the ABFC and the Calypso Sub-Committee for their efforts in revitalizing this cultural cornerstone. Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the ABFC, highlighted the renewed vibrancy of calypso music, attributing its resurgence to the dedication of the Committee and the new venue at Jack Idle. Mr. Peter Abraham, Chair of the Independence Calypso Sub-Committee, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response from artists, which he sees as a testament to the genre’s revival. The ABFC invites all calypso enthusiasts and culture lovers to join in celebrating Antigua and Barbuda’s rich heritage through this iconic event.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Partner with Japan on Advanced Water-Recycling Initiative
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a groundbreaking partnership with Japan’s WOTA Corporation to implement a national water-security program. This initiative will focus on decentralized, autonomous water-recycling systems designed to enhance the country’s resilience to droughts and natural disasters while promoting sustainable freshwater management. During a detailed presentation to the Cabinet, WOTA showcased its cutting-edge technology, which purifies and recycles water at the point of use, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity challenges. The collaboration will involve a Joint Proof of Business (PoB) initiative, supported by the Government of Japan, with plans to deploy at least 500 WOTA systems across Antigua and Barbuda. The Ministry of ICT, Utilities and Energy will oversee the project, while the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will handle installation and operations. A joint monitoring committee, comprising WOTA, the Japanese government, and local agencies, will ensure effective implementation. To encourage widespread adoption, the Cabinet has proposed a five-year tax and duty exemption on the importation, sale, installation, and maintenance of WOTA systems and components, effective January 1, 2026. This measure aims to make the technology affordable for communities, schools, and institutions. Prime Minister Gaston Browne praised the partnership, emphasizing its alignment with Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to innovation, technology transfer, and climate resilience, particularly within the context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The project is expected to serve as a regional model, demonstrating how advanced water-recycling systems can foster self-sufficiency and sustainability across the Caribbean.